If you have a student who will be in college in the fall of 2014, now is the time to get started on the FAFSA, available online at https://fafsa.ed.gov/ . If you’re new to the FAFSA, here are some things to know:
– You can file any time up until your state’s or school’s deadline. Click here to find your state’s deadline: https://fafsa.ed.gov/deadlines.htm
– Although the FAFSA asks for 2013 tax data, most people are better off estimating and completing the FAFSA sooner, rather than waiting until their taxes are done.
– Many states award financial aid “until funds are depleted.” If you live in one of those states (check https://fafsa.ed.gov/fotw1415/pdf/Deadlines.pdf for a complete list of deadlines), apply now!
The FAFSA is long, but it’s fairly straightforward. Please use the Comments section to ask any questions you have about it.
There are 2 comments
Can we pretend our child is going to be in college this fall, when it’s actually fall of 2015, just to get an idea of what we are eligible for?
You’re better off using the FAFSA4caster at fafsa4caster.ed.gov. It’s quicker and will still give you a good estimate.
By the way, any time you are using the FAFSA site, make sure the site’s URL ends with .ed.gov. If you Google “FAFSA” you will come up with a number of sites that are not the official Department of Education website but are private organizations that may or may not have your best interests at heart.